EXPERT
Joe Baker
Audiologist
Dr. Joe Baker is an audiologist practicing in Westlake, OH. Dr. Baker evaluates, diagnoses, and treats hearing loss, balance issues, and tinnitus. Audiologists can care for patients of all ages and treat almost all types of hearing loss. As an audiologist, Dr. Baker takes part in services like prescribing and fitting hearing aids, recommending assisted listening devices, and providing hearing rehabilitation. Audiologists can work in a number of settings such as hospitals, schools, clinics, private practices as well as government, military, and VA hospitals.
26 years
Experience
Joe Baker
- Westlake, OH
- University of Cincinnati
- Accepting new patients
Should I Clean Wax from My Ears?
If I can’t use cotton swabs, how am I supposed to clean my ears? Have you ever heard someone say, “Don’t put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear”? That suggestion is...
How to do prevent hearing loss?
At 34, unless you have a family history of hearing loss or are exposed to high noise levels, maintaining good hearing is usually relatively simple. The most common cause of hearing READ MORE
At 34, unless you have a family history of hearing loss or are exposed to high noise levels, maintaining good hearing is usually relatively simple. The most common cause of hearing loss is excessive noise from your occupation, social, or recreational activities. The best thing you can do is minimize your noise exposures. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the recommended noise exposure level to prevent hearing loss is 80 decibels (dB) for adults and 75 dB for children; this means limiting exposure to sounds at or below these levels for extended periods of time to minimize the risk of hearing damage. If you are around higher noise levels, inexpensive disposable earplugs are available at your local pharmacy or hardware store. If you prefer a more personalized approach, you can visit an audiologist to have custom earplugs made--but expect to pay around $200 for these. Joe Baker, MA, CCC-A Audiologist <https://hearsci.com/> 440-438-3401
Is a hearing aid safe when flying?
We often get this question from our patients. Yes, your hearing aids are safe to keep on while flying. Hearing aids are an FDA Class 1 medical device. Not only are they safe for READ MORE
We often get this question from our patients. Yes, your hearing aids are safe to keep on while flying. Hearing aids are an FDA Class 1 medical device. Not only are they safe for your air travels, I recommend that you travel with them so you can more easily communicate with the plane's cabin crew members for your safety. One last thing is that you can leave them in your ears through the TSA screening checkpoint. Hearing aids will not (at least *should* not) activate their equipment. Safe travels! Joe Baker, MA, CCC-A Audiologist <https://hearsci.com/> 440-438-3401
When should you start having regular hearing tests?
The audiology professional organizations, AAA & ASHA, recommend your first baseline test at age 50, unless you experience hearing difficulty sooner. If your results show hearing READ MORE
The audiology professional organizations, AAA & ASHA, recommend your first baseline test at age 50, unless you experience hearing difficulty sooner. If your results show hearing within normal range, consider retesting in another 5 years. If hearing loss is identified, follow the recommendations of your audiologist.
Can ear plugs damage your hearing long-term?
Wearing earplugs will not damage your hearing. As long as you're sleeping with earplugs that are soft and comfortable, you are unlikely to experience any negative physical consequences. READ MORE
Wearing earplugs will not damage your hearing. As long as you're sleeping with earplugs that are soft and comfortable, you are unlikely to experience any negative physical consequences. I suggest using either disposable foam, or see an audiologist to get custom earplugs designed for sleeping. Custom earplugs are more costly, but are an excellent choice for anyone using them on a regular basis.
Loss of hearing after car accident. How will it be treated?
Hearing loss from head trauma is possible. Also likely, if your airbag was deployed, you might have a noise-induced hearing loss. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) says: READ MORE
Hearing loss from head trauma is possible. Also likely, if your airbag was deployed, you might have a noise-induced hearing loss. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) says: "Deployment of a driver side only airbag will generate mean peak sound pressure level (SPL) of approximately 160 dB, a passenger side only airbag will generate mean peak SPL of 168 dB and dual airbags create a mean peak SPL of 170 dB." The U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) requires employees exposed to impulse noise of 140 dB SPL or higher to use hearing protection because a single instance of sound this loud can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. My recommendation is to see an audiologist for a comprehensive hearing exam. Unless you have a previous hearing exam for comparison, you won't know how much--if any--damage occurred as a result of the incident. Joe Baker, MA, CCC-A Audiologist <https://hearsci.com/> 440-438-3401
Can using earbuds make me deaf?
Deaf? Unlikely. Will you develop noise-induced hearing loss? Possibly. Some devices limit your volume to safe levels, but usually this can be overridden by the user. What we do READ MORE
Deaf? Unlikely. Will you develop noise-induced hearing loss? Possibly. Some devices limit your volume to safe levels, but usually this can be overridden by the user. What we do know is that prolonged exposure to high noise levels will cause noise-induced hearing loss as well as other physiological changes to your body similar to those caused by stress--such as fatigue, increased cortisol levels, increased blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, etc. Hearing loss, depending on the intensity of the sound, can occur with as little as 15 minutes of exposure. OSHA requires employees exposed to 90+ decibels (dB) of noise over an 8-hour shift to use hearing protection. The Apple AirPods Max have been reported to be as high as 108 dB, which OSHA would allow unprotected exposure no more than about two minutes! My recommendation is, use your earbuds responsibly. If you absolutely MUST listen to your favorite song at full volume, don't make it a frequent thing. If, when you remove your earbuds, you notice a buzzing/humming noise or speech sounds muffled, you likely caused damage to your ears. Sometimes this is temporary and everything returns to normal. But, repeatedly exposing yourself to high noise levels will cause permanent damage. Joe Baker, MA, CCC-A Audiologist <https://hearsci.com/> 440-438-3401
What can trigger noise-induced hearing loss?
OSHA limits noise levels to less than 85 Decibels (dB) for workers during an 8-hour shift to prevent hearing loss. The average concert is about 100 dB. The "safe" exposure time READ MORE
OSHA limits noise levels to less than 85 Decibels (dB) for workers during an 8-hour shift to prevent hearing loss. The average concert is about 100 dB. The "safe" exposure time at this loudness is, according to OSHA, one hour. Since most concerts last at least an hour and, typically, have an opening act, it is likely that you are causing damage to your hearing.
There are earplugs available that can protect your hearing without drastically impacting fidelity. You'll often see them marketed to musicians as musician earplugs. Some are one-size-fits all, others have multiple sizes included for different sized ears. My preference is for custom hearing protection that have an interchangeable filter that reduces noise anywhere from 10 dB to 25 dB.
I suggest you do two things. First, contact a local audiologist to get a baseline hearing test to see how much--if any--hearing loss you have at this point. Second, while you're there, discuss the best options for you to protect your hearing going forward.
There are earplugs available that can protect your hearing without drastically impacting fidelity. You'll often see them marketed to musicians as musician earplugs. Some are one-size-fits all, others have multiple sizes included for different sized ears. My preference is for custom hearing protection that have an interchangeable filter that reduces noise anywhere from 10 dB to 25 dB.
I suggest you do two things. First, contact a local audiologist to get a baseline hearing test to see how much--if any--hearing loss you have at this point. Second, while you're there, discuss the best options for you to protect your hearing going forward.
Is deafness with age a heriditary problem?
Hearing loss occurs naturally as part of the aging process. However, there is much you can do to prevent hearing loss. The number one thing is to protect your ears from loud sounds READ MORE
Hearing loss occurs naturally as part of the aging process. However, there is much you can do to prevent hearing loss. The number one thing is to protect your ears from loud sounds by keeping your earbuds/headphones at a soft level, avoid noisy places like loud bars, nightclubs, live sporting events. If you do attend these places, use hearing protection. You can find inexpensive earplugs at the pharmacy or online.
If you work in a noisy environment, OSHA requires employers to provide hearing protection. Bring your own hearing protectors if your employer doesn't have them.
A healthy lifestyle, including a heart-healthy diet, will help keep your inner ear healthy and more resilient.
If you work in a noisy environment, OSHA requires employers to provide hearing protection. Bring your own hearing protectors if your employer doesn't have them.
A healthy lifestyle, including a heart-healthy diet, will help keep your inner ear healthy and more resilient.
What causes a ringing sound in the ears?
This is called tinnitus and can be caused by a variety of reasons. Most commonly, tinnitus is a symptom of hearing loss. For this reason, if she has not had a recent hearing exam READ MORE
This is called tinnitus and can be caused by a variety of reasons. Most commonly, tinnitus is a symptom of hearing loss. For this reason, if she has not had a recent hearing exam by an audiologist, I suggest she have this done. Also, tinnitus is a side-effect of many medications and supplements.
The reason most people find it bothersome at bedtime is because that is when our homes are the most quiet, so the tinnitus is more noticeable.
For most people, tinnitus can be mildly bothersome, but not debilitating. If your mother experiences worsening tinnitus or it seems worse on one side, she should speak with her physician right away.
The reason most people find it bothersome at bedtime is because that is when our homes are the most quiet, so the tinnitus is more noticeable.
For most people, tinnitus can be mildly bothersome, but not debilitating. If your mother experiences worsening tinnitus or it seems worse on one side, she should speak with her physician right away.
Can my father hear again?
To better answer you, I would need to see your father's hearing test results. If the hearing loss is typical, progressive hearing loss, he might be an excellent candidate for cochlear READ MORE
To better answer you, I would need to see your father's hearing test results.
If the hearing loss is typical, progressive hearing loss, he might be an excellent candidate for cochlear implants. He will need a battery of tests with an audiologist and ENT doctor to determine if this is feasible.
If this wasn't part of the conversation with his audiologist, I would suggest a second opinion with an audiologist capable of doing an implant evaluation.
If the hearing loss is typical, progressive hearing loss, he might be an excellent candidate for cochlear implants. He will need a battery of tests with an audiologist and ENT doctor to determine if this is feasible.
If this wasn't part of the conversation with his audiologist, I would suggest a second opinion with an audiologist capable of doing an implant evaluation.
Irritated ear?
I suggest seeing a dermatologist
Can’t hear on left side?
This isn't uncommon, so your ear is probably going to be fine. Most likely, after a few more rounds of irrigation with the syringe, the wax will dislodge and come out of your ear. READ MORE
This isn't uncommon, so your ear is probably going to be fine. Most likely, after a few more rounds of irrigation with the syringe, the wax will dislodge and come out of your ear. Be sure to use gentle pressure and water that is lukewarm--cold or warm water can cause dizziness and nausea. If this doesn't work, schedule an appointment with an audiologist or ENT doctor for professional removal.
Ringing in left ear?
Sometimes we (humans) experience "transient ear noise" that comes and goes and doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong with you or your auditory system. However, when you have READ MORE
Sometimes we (humans) experience "transient ear noise" that comes and goes and doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong with you or your auditory system. However, when you have loud tinnitus that doesn't subside after a few minutes, it could mean something more serious is happening. My suggestion is that you contact your nearest otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) and tell them you need to be seen ASAP. Immediate treatment can reverse or reduce the long-term effect. Left untreated, you could suffer additional damage and symptoms, such as permanent hearing loss, dizziness, and tinnitus.
Clogged right ear for 3 days?
Contact your ENT doctor right away. This might be very serious and require immediate treatment to preserve your right ear hearing. Your description of the symptoms are also similar READ MORE
Contact your ENT doctor right away. This might be very serious and require immediate treatment to preserve your right ear hearing. Your description of the symptoms are also similar to someone with ear wax (cerumen) blocking their ear--so the issue could be resolved right away by the ENT or an audiologist by removing the blockage.
In either case, please make get in to see the first available ENT doctor.
In either case, please make get in to see the first available ENT doctor.
Hearing question?
You are experiencing tinnitus. People often describe tinnitus, not so much as a tone, but a humming or buzzing noise, often with a high-frequency element to it. Tinnitus can be READ MORE
You are experiencing tinnitus. People often describe tinnitus, not so much as a tone, but a humming or buzzing noise, often with a high-frequency element to it. Tinnitus can be caused by a host of things ranging from caffeine or sugar intake to side-effects from medications or exposure to loud noise.
If you work somewhere noisy or expose yourself to loud recreational noise, such as loud music, firearms, motorcycles, etc., I suggest you use hearing protectors.
Check your medications and diet to see if they are contributing to your tinnitus. Often all it takes to reduce tinnitus is changing medications, adjusting your diet, or exercising to lower your blood pressure.
If you work somewhere noisy or expose yourself to loud recreational noise, such as loud music, firearms, motorcycles, etc., I suggest you use hearing protectors.
Check your medications and diet to see if they are contributing to your tinnitus. Often all it takes to reduce tinnitus is changing medications, adjusting your diet, or exercising to lower your blood pressure.
My hearing loss is being attributed to my mental illness?
I am so sorry to hear that your experience with the audiologist was not helpful. If possible, I recommend you seek another exam from a different audiologist and take your previous READ MORE
I am so sorry to hear that your experience with the audiologist was not helpful. If possible, I recommend you seek another exam from a different audiologist and take your previous test results with you so they can compare. There are a number of reasons that hearing loss may fluctuate from test to test. It would be best to get a second opinion.
Hard bump behind ear, no pain, is getting bigger?
Please schedule an appointment with the next available ENT doctor. Tinnitus, headaches, and dizziness may be symptoms of a more serious condition. An ENT doctor (otolaryngologist) READ MORE
Please schedule an appointment with the next available ENT doctor. Tinnitus, headaches, and dizziness may be symptoms of a more serious condition. An ENT doctor (otolaryngologist) will be able to evaluate and make an appropriate diagnosis for observation or treatment.
